Refugium Light

[PapaWhisky]

I'm looking to upgrade my refugium light in my WaterBox 100.3 sump for better growth. Currently running an old BML which is OK, but the spectrum is for corals not macros. Looking at the AI Prime HD FW and the Kessil H-80 Tuna Flora.

Anyone currently using either of these that can share their experience / like / dislike?

Can the Kessil be run off a timer? I don't have an Apex.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I'm looking to upgrade my refugium light in my WaterBox 100.3 sump for better growth. Currently running an old BML which is OK, but the spectrum is for corals not macros. Looking at the AI Prime HD FW and the Kessil H-80 Tuna Flora.

Anyone currently using either of these that can share their experience / like / dislike?

Can the Kessil be run off a timer? I don't have an Apex.

How big is the fuge area? I would actually opt for the kessil h160. More power, better spread.

 

[PapaWhisky]

The fuge area is ~ 18"L x 12"W x 9"D. It's the middle section of the pic below.

 

[Danh Ngo]

Kessil H series is a beast, I have one, you can see differences in your fuge after few weeks

 

[AlgaeBarn]

Kessils can be run off of a timer.

I would recommend the H160 (https://www.algaebarn.com/shop/aquarium-supplies/lighting/kessil-h160-refugium/) over the H80 for the size of refugium and the likely intensity of the lighting over the display tank.

The H160 can be dimmed like the H80 (and unlike the H380).

Overall, the kessils grow most macroalgae like crazy. We have some customers that are removing copious amounts of sea lettuce from their fuge every week.

 

[PapaWhisky]

Thanks everyone, that's the info I needed. An H160 it is!

 

[XBoxxyX]

LED light strips work just as good @$20

 

[Crabs McJones]

LED light strips work just as good @$20

Depended on refugium size they do work very well

 

[Matt Carden]

I found a couple of 300w CWB LED grow lights. First looks to be non dimmable the second is dimmable. I was looking at some par38 bulbs in the 6500k spectrum but could only find 5k spectrum for around $10 each. There are some par38 grow lights on Amazon for around $25 but you still need the fixtures. Over my fuge I would need 2 fixtures for good coverage.

 

[wesman42]

I would NEVER spend that much on a refugium light. I've got this one...it uses the same LED technology that the kessil does...but what do I know? https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-G...3&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=COB+grow+light&psc=1

 

[Matt Carden]

I would NEVER spend that much on a refugium light. I've got this one...it uses the same LED technology that the kessil does...but what do I know? https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-G...3&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=COB+grow+light&psc=1

It doesn't say how large an area this light works for? This light may work for OP. My fuge is 30"x12" I'm thinking I would need 2. But I could start with 1 and expand later.

 

[Fritzhamer]

I run a kessil a80, the freshwater version. It’s tuned to grow plants in water and the color is pleasing to the eye. It also looks natural which essentially gives me a second fish tank. My fuge is about the same size as yours and the 80 series is plenty for nine inches of water. Anything more powerful will burn all your plants.

If you want to go the less expensive route the Taotronics grow light bulbs are great. The spectrum of these growlight bulbs is really hard on your eyes though. I’ve read that it’s wise to wear protective goggles if you’re going to be working around them.

I’d go with a 6000k Flood light or a light that the freshwater planted tank people would use on a nano-planted tank, as that’s what our Refugiums are.

 

[Matt Carden]

Or this one?

 

[Sharis100]

Kessils can be run off of a timer.

I would recommend the H160 (https://www.algaebarn.com/shop/aquarium-supplies/lighting/kessil-h160-refugium/) over the H80 for the size of refugium and the likely intensity of the lighting over the display tank.

The H160 can be dimmed like the H80 (and unlike the H380).

Overall, the kessils grow most macroalgae like crazy. We have some customers that are removing copious amounts of sea lettuce from their fuge every week.

What do you recommend for your pom and dragons breath macros? What light settings work best for these species? Thanks

 

[Matt Carden]

Or this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07JVGLGTD/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

 

[rmchoi]

I have used about five different lights over this Lifereef refugium. The last light was a Kessil A360 Magneta. Super bright, but created too much heat. Changed to two x Kessil H80. There is not much heat and enough light to grow macro all the way down to the bottom. Their small, but efficient.

 

[Robinson]

It doesn't say how large an area this light works for? This light may work for OP. My fuge is 30"x12" I'm thinking I would need 2. But I could start with 1 and expand later.

Im using the same LED light over my fuge, my fuge is 10 x 10 and still there is plenty of light to the sides, the nutrients removed by the chaeto is so effective that I had to remove my skimmer due to phosphate and nitrates went to 0 once the skimmer was connected. This light grows chaeto like crazy, I think is the main reason I dont have algae problems in my main display tank. FYI Im running this on a reefer 425xl. Also the same company have a dual bulb model that may works better for you.

Waterproof 200W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum, New Technology Cob Led Grow Light, Natural Heat Dissipation Without Noise, Suitable For Plants All Growing Stage Indoor Or Outdoor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776R69WH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_I-k6Bb8183KW5

 

[ReeferReefer]

What did you go with?

 

[PapaWhisky]

I went with the Kessel H160. Very happy with it. My Macros started growing again and the algae in the DT went away.

 

[Matt Carden]

This is what I was thinking about getting

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01L74WDPW/